International Cup launched in Sydney

Footballers from all corners of the globe have arrived in Sydney for the 2011 International Cup.

Community venues in Sydney’s West will host matches from Saturday August 13 to Saturday August 20 and the carnival will continue in Melbourne at Royal Park on Wednesday August 24 and Friday August 26.

The unique Australian football carnival will involve 18 teams: Canada, China, Denmark, Fiji, France, Great Britain, India, Ireland, Japan, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peace Team (comprising of both Israeli and Palestinian players), Sweden, South Africa, Timor Leste, Tonga and USA.

It is the fourth International Cup and four nations will make their debut; Fiji, France, Timor Leste and Tonga. For the first time five women’s teams will also participate; Canada, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, USA and a combined Australian multicultural and Indigenous team.

Blacktown International Sports Park will host the Inaugural Festival of Nations on the opening day – Saturday August 13. The festival will include cultural food stalls and activities such as face painters, jumping castle, kids’ clinics (from 9.30am- 10.30am) and the football action.

The men’s teams will play seeding matches on the opening day. Teams will then be placed in two divisions. To see the fixture, visit www.ic11.com.au after 9pm Saturday August 13.

Follow the International Cup on Twitter @AFLIC11 and Facebook AFL International Cup